Rangers dossier proves SPFL slothfulness and shows Neil Doncaster is incompetent - Hotline

Damning dossier or damned dross? The Hotline, not for the first time, has been split right down the middle by Rangers ’ 200-word document of alleged SPFL chicanery.

Ibrox MD Stewart Robertson insists his club have proved damaging wrongdoings over the governing body’s league ending resolution actions and says Neil Doncaster ’s time at the helm should be up.

Many callers agree. But others reckon the expected fireworks are nothing but a damp squib.

Hotline regular Dr Robert Pender kicked us off: “Maybe we were all expecting big revelations but what is clear is that there is a slothfulness about this administration. Poorly run as a company and careless record keeping. If they were a charity then the Charity Commission would come in suspend and take over. Forget the dislike of Rangers, the act needs cleaning up.”

John Scott, Grassmoor, said: “Rangers’ dossier was never gong to be a smoking gun however there are several issues of incompetence and perceived bias on the list. In any other country these bullet points would have been enough to show mismanagement.”

John Bruce emailed: “Judging by the reaction to Rangers' dossier, many were disappointed that there were no explosive revelations that would light a fire under Scottish football. What Rangers appear to have done is more composed, beginning by highlighting to the world through their dossier that we have an incompetent Chief Executive who isn't fit to manage the SPFL.

“Rather than using a 'smoking gun' on the SPFL they appear to be using a stiletto - and a few on the board seem set to feel some cold steel.”

And Andy Adams, Kirkcaldy, added: “Is what Rangers uncovered not serious wrong doings? If what's been said is true, is everybody ok with it? Are these people running our game honestly? Why would you not want it investigating? It's the only way to sort it out once and for all. If Rangers lose then it will cost them. But if they win … or is that the problem?”

© Rangers FC/PA Images

Now for the other side.

John Wall, Newton Mearns, said: “Where now for Rangers? Credibility zero. Finances perilous. Trophy cabinet empty. Chairman desperate to get back to his beleaguered business empire. Their only hope is a taken for granted fan base and a manager who now knows just how challenging managing a winning team in Scotland can be.”

Gordon Ashley, Ayr, said: “After reading Gary Ralston’s Why? Why? Why? article it seems to me it should have read Where? Where? Where? Where is the smoking gun? Where is the bullying? And where is the coercion that Rangers promised to uncover? Rangers and there rabble rousers can no longer be taken seriously.

Gerard Kelly emailed: “Robertson said Rangers did not accuse the SPFL of bullying yet online they said they wont be bullied! This dossier is nothing. As for Rangers and Robertson - they should be held to account for bringing the game into disrepute, fined, points deducted and no longer be able to represent Rangers on the SPFL board ever again.”

Alec Fleming emailed: “Clubs would have to be pretty stupid not to know there would be a hefty claw back of money if the season was cancelled early. The EPL had been warned earlier.”

© SNS Group Donald Park

Eddie Easson, Ballingry, added: “Sadly Rangers with Douglas Park and Stewart Robertson have shown a total disregard for Scottish football. In these times of pandemic and predicted recession their so called smoking gun is no more than a damp squib. There have been errors by the SPFL but surely they could've been sorted out by conversation instead of the bitterness towards the SPFL and Celtic.”

And Ian McLauchlan, Renfrew, said: “Surely, the biggest scandal at the moment is that Doncaster and his SPFL Board, don't have a sponsor for the League and League Cup. What have they been doing?”

Robertson and Doncaster might be in the eye of the storm for Scottish football - but Rod Stewart is sailing pretty close to them too after his comments in Thursday’s Hotline.

Celtic daft Hot Legs stoked the fire when he said Rangers should concede the league and described their stance as “horrid”. He then invited all and sundry for a pint to kiss and make up.

But Stephen Johnstone, Ardentinny, said: “I would rather go with Maggie May for a drink than Rod Stewart, he knows more about trains than Scottish football. He should stick to winding up clocks than the Rangers support. Given he is a free loader at Celtic Park while others have to pay there way.”

And Derek Campbell emailed: “Rod Stewart goes on about sporting integrity. Where was his team’s sporting integrity when they wouldn’t extend the 2007/8 season to give another Scottish team a better chance to lift a European trophy?”